“It’s a waste of time”: this balayage expert reveals why coming to the hairdresser with dirty hair is a mistake

For years, many of us have followed the same ritual before a hair appointment: avoid shampooing to arrive with greasy hair. This habit, once recommended by professionals, will be outdated by 2026. Thomas Tuccinardi, expert in balayage, sets the record straight and challenges this long-held preconception.

Dirty hair before coloring: a persistent salon myth

You’ve probably heard it dozens of times: “Don’t wash your hair before you color it, the sebum will protect your skull.” This advice has long been circulated in hairdressing salons. But this golden rule is now a thing of the past.

Renowned hair expert Thomas Tuccinardi is categorical on this point. He clearly states that this practice is no longer relevant today. Times have changed, and with them the products used in salons.

For decades, hair color formulas contained highly aggressive chemical agents. These formulas contained high concentrations of ammonia. In this context, the natural sebum barrier effectively acted as a shield for the scalp.

“That was back in the day, when there were colors that were very strong, it protected the scalp.”

Less aggressive hair formulas than in the past

Today’s products are enriched with skincare and much less aggressive for the skin. This major evolution completely changes the situation for customers. As a result, the excuse of protective sebum no longer holds water.

Hair coloring techniques have also evolved in recent years. Balayage, for example, now requires clean hair for optimal results. Professionals are adapting their recommendations to these new practices.

Why come to the hairdresser in 2026 with clean hair?

Thomas Tuccinardi is adamant: “You can come to the hairdresser with clean hair.” This advice may come as a surprise to those who have always done the opposite. But the logic is unstoppable.

“Today, given the balayage techniques we use, it’s better if it’s clean,” advises the expert. Clean hair allows the professional to work in better conditions. What’s more, the final result is improved.

• Today’s colorants are less aggressive on the scalp
• Sweeping requires clean hair for precise results
• Sebum can prevent pigments from adhering to the hair fiber
• Arriving with greasy hair wastes the professional’s time
• Formula-integrated care products already protect the scalp

So it’s out of the question to arrive at your next appointment with oily hair. This habit, once useful, is now becoming counter-productive. Customers need to adapt their reflexes to these new realities.

A waste of time for professionals

Thomas Tuccinardi doesn’t hesitate to appeal directly to his customers on this subject. “Please don’t overdo it, because sometimes we have to wash the hair first, it’s a waste of time!” The message is clear and straightforward.

An extra wash in the salon extends the appointment time. It also represents a cost in water and products for the hairdresser. So everyone benefits from arriving with freshly washed hair.

How to prepare your hair before a salon appointment

From now on, the rule is simple: wash your hair normally before going to the salon. A shampoo the day before or the morning of is more than enough. There’s no need to complicate your life by calculating days without washing.

This new approach simplifies preparation for customers. No more stress about planning your last shampoo several days in advance. Now you can make the most of your visit to the hairdresser.

Hair care products have come a long way in recent years. Formulas are designed to respect the scalp while delivering impeccable results. As a result, natural sebum protection is no longer necessary.

This update on best practice applies equally to coloring, balayage and bleaching. Whatever the treatment, clean hair is the best option. This will enable your hairdresser to work in ideal conditions and offer you the best possible result.

• coiffeur